Becoming an LPN

If you've considered furthering your nursing education through the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you've likely wondered about the potential benefits of holding a BSN. While there are many routes that lead to a solid nursing education, the most direct and beneficial route involves becoming a bachelor's-prepared nurse. In fact, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Initiative on the Future of Nursing feels so strongly about the pursuit of a BSN that it hopes to increase the number of nurses with bachelor's degrees to 80 percent by 2020.

The College Network offers an online LPN to BS in Nursing program as well as several online RN to BS in Nursing programs. Below is a list of three major advantages of completing these programs and earning a bachelor's degree in nursing.

1. More Experience — Nurses who complete a bachelor's degree program have more experience in real-world hospital situations than those with a lesser degree. Most BSN programs require a significant number of clinical hours, which helps students feel more comfortable in the nurse role.
    
2. Broader Knowledge — Nursing bachelor's degree programs dive further into each nursing course and require completion of more courses than associate's degree and diploma programs. This gives students a broader knowledge base and enhances their problem solving and critical thinking skills.
    
3. Expanded Opportunities — With the changing nature of healthcare, hospitals are increasingly looking to staff their nursing units with nurses who have earned at least a BSN. Bachelor's-prepared nurses have a leg up on those who have only an associate's degree, and that helps them stand out when seeking initial employment as well as promotions. Additionally, some positions in the nursing industry (e.g., educator, researcher, and administrator) can only be filled by those with a bachelor's or higher degree.

If you're ready to advance your career with a BSN, contact The College Network today at 1-877-TCN-DEGREE (877-826-3347)!

If you are an LPN/LVN, you’ve probably considered going back to school to earn your degree and RN license. With the demand for qualified RNs on the rise, it’s a great time to start working toward a higher nursing credential.

Earning your associate’s degree in nursing isn’t the only way to get your RN license—in fact, there are lots of benefits to earning your bachelor’s degree instead.

The 80 by ‘20 Push

By now, you’ve probably heard about the Institute of Medicine’s 2011 recommendation—it states that 80% of all RNs should hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) by the year 2020. But why is the industry pushing for higher nurse education? The simple fact is, due to the demanding nature of the patient landscape, the role of the RN is changing. RNs are required to take on more responsibilities than before, working directly with physicians to diagnose patients and manage teams of LPNs.

To be successful in these new working conditions, it is beneficial to have a bachelor’s-level nursing education. In fact, many healthcare facilities are raising their minimum education requirements for RNs as a result of this industry-wide push.

Aside from mastering the necessary clinical skills, BSN students gain an in-depth understanding of leadership skills and managerial strategies, preparing them to lead and manage teams of nurses and move up within their organization over time. Most nurse managers are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

As RNs retire at a rapid rate, the number of open positions for BSN-RNs is on the rise. Over 55 percent of today’s RNs and nurse leaders plan to retire by 2020, creating more leadership opportunities for BSN-prepared RNs.

Go From LPN to BSN with One Online Program

As an LPN, your bachelor’s degree in nursing is well within your reach.  Although there are many degree programs that can bridge the gap between LPN and BSN, there is only one LPN to BS in Nursing program that can be completed entirely through distance learning. The LPN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University allows to complete your course work online, meaning you can continue to work in your current job while completing your degree. Upon graduation, you’ll receive your bachelor’s degree in nursing and will be ready to make an impact as a BSN-prepared RN.

To learn more about the LPN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University, watch the video below.

If you’d like more information on the LPN to BS in Nursing program, feel free to call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with a Program Advisor. You can also request more information by clicking here. 

You’ve graduated from nursing school and now you are ready to hit the ground running in your new career. Congrats! It is a great time to be a nurse. Despite ongoing changes in the job market, over 32,000 new health care jobs were created in the month of February.

So, what supplies do you use during a day on the job? The items you carry may vary depending on your area of specialization. If you have specific questions on which supplies you need, be sure to check with your supervisor. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips for staying prepared. 

On Your Person:

While each nurse has their own personal preference for what to carry during the workday, there are some essentials that you need to have. Here are some common supplies that you’ll likely use on the job: 

1. Stethoscope


2. Penlight


3. 2 pens


4. Hemostats


5. Tape


6. Scissors


7. Alcohol prep pads

In Your Locker:

1. Lotion: Washing up repeatedly can be taxing on your skin. Keep lotion in your locker to help sooth your hard-working hands.  


2. Hand sanitizer: Though there are probably plenty of opportunities to sanitize on the floor, it never hurts to be prepared.


3. Ibuprofen: Let’s face it—a long shift can sometimes be a headache.  


4. Energy bars: For a quick energy boost during your shift, keep a box of granola bars or energy bars in your locker. These snacks are a good source of protein. Though there are countless brands to choose from, some of the healthier options include Clif Bars and Nature Valley.


5. Vitamin Packets: No matter how hard you try, you’ll still be exposed to some nasty germs on the job. Since you are probably already drinking water during your shift, try mixing a vitamin packet like Emergen-C® into your drink. Crammed with nutrients, these flavored packs will make your water a little less boring.

If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, there’s never been a better time than now. If you are an LPN or RN seeking to further your nursing education, The College Network can help. To learn more, call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with a program advisor. Or, view a full list of our degree programs for nurses or request more information here. Good luck!

Most of us have considered going back to school at one point or another. I want go back to school to get my master's degree. I, like you, research programs to see what will work best for my lifestyle. I will need to continue to work my full time job and run my household, while I obtain my degree. The reasons that we decide to go back to school as an adult are much the same--no matter what degree that we pursue. 

So, let's talk about my top 5 reasons.

1. Career Advancement--Earning your associate's or bachelor's degree will open up more career opportunities for you. If you earn your Associate Degree in Nursing online, you can move forward in your career to become an RN. If you earn your Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, you can advance into higher ranks and move into a leadership role. But whatever degree you pursue, earning it will lead to more options for your career. 

2. Earning Potential--By advancing your education and earning your degree, you increase your earning potential. The easiest example of this is the difference in pay between an LPN and an RN. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average salary for an LPN at $40,380 and the average salary for an RN at $64,690. That is a remarkable difference!

3.Expanding Your Horizons--Learning opens us up to all kinds of experiences. I think we can rediscover our love of learning and how much we enjoy the challenge of finding answers. It can spark a lifelong love of new adventures.

4. Achieving Your Dream--By earning your degree, you will accomplish a milestone in your life. It is one that will take hard work and dedication. There might be times along the way when you feel like giving up--but you can push through to keep going. Thinking about how your life will change can help to motivate you to stay on track.

5. Inspiring Others--Most people don't realize that by reaching their goal, they inspire others to take a chance and follow their dream too. You will impact those around you with your success and will be a role model for those that are contemplating taking the next step in their career.  

I'm sure after reading these reasons, you might even have more reasons to add to your list. If you're ready to discover more about earning your degree online through The College Network and one of our partner universities, call us today at 800-395-1014. Or you can request more information here. 

Another year is drawing to a close.  It's usually the time when we look back at what we have accomplished while we also look forward to our hopes and dreams for the year ahead. If you're at all like me, you wish you would have accomplished a few more goals that you had on your list this time last year. It's hard because day-to-day life can easily get in the way of our goals.

Is advancing your career and education one of  your goals that you carry forward from year to year? Are you an LPN that hopes to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing degree? Or are you an RN who wants to become a nurse educator by getting a master of science in nursing? The great news is that by this time next year, you can be well on your way to earning your degree. 

Don't let another year pass by while you are waiting to start your degree program.  The time is right--right now. The College Network can help determine what general education courses you will need, which courses will transfer to one of our partner universities, and how you can get started. We will be with you every step of the way.  

Call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with one of our Program Advisors, who can answer any questions you may have about our programs work.  You can also click here to request more information. Make this next year one that you will look back upon and be excited about how far you have moved forward towards your goal. 

I have seen quite a few postings on Facebook lately about what people are thankful for at this time of year. Personally, I think it's a great practice to develop. So many times we don't think about being grateful for the little things we have in our life. It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hectic schedules that we try to keep up. Work, exercise, school, kids, parents, friends...the list never ends. 

I encourage you to take a moment today to be thankful for the education that you have. It has brought you to where you are. If you think about education as building blocks in your life, you can see how far you have come. We learned to read, then write and then figure out if the sum of y is equal to or greater than x. (I still haven't figured that one out and as an English major, I hold little hope that I will.) Once we have those in place, we moved onto a more career-focused education. 

Many of you have completed your training and are now LPNs. It was this building block that allowed you to move forward and become a working nurse. Are you now ready to talk about your next building block?  The College Network offers a way for you to earn an Associate of Science in nursing degree to provide the education requirements necessary to become a registered nurse.   

Through our partnership with Indiana State University, we are also able to offer the only NLNAC-accredited LPN to BS in Nursing degree program that can be completed entirely through distance learning. This self-paced program allows you to work as an LPN while working toward your degree.  

Call us today at 800-395-1014 to learn more about our nursing programs.  It's time to think about the next building block you need to move forward. You will be thankful you did. 

As I watched coverage of the horrible storm that hit the East coast --I was thankful that my friends and family were safe and sound.  When a disaster of this proportion hits our country, we see the best in people.  Neighbors helping those without electricity, and sharing food and shelter as well. It reminds us that we are one country, built on the commonality that we will always help those in need.

As a Program Advisor I get to speak with many people on a daily basis who are interested in finding out how they can accomplish their goals.

Goals, of course, vary from person to person. Some are interested in becoming more specialized in their current career such as an LPN who wants to be able to teach nursing by getting an MSN. Other times, it could be someone who has always wanted to get into the legal field and would like to learn how a certificate in Paralegal Studies could help them transition from one industry to the next.

No matter what your goals, you'll always hear two simple phrases from me: "Why are you interested in this particular field?" and "What are your goals for when you receive this education?"

To me, these are two of the most important things a person can know. Sure, everyone wants to make more money--but money can't be the only reason you want to do something.

When I ask these questions, I do it to find out what you are really passionate about. Do you want to teach nursing education because you had a great teacher and wanted to be able to give back in the same way? Are you getting into the legal field because you had a great experience in the past with a lawyer who helped you to solve a problem?

At The College Network, we really do care about our customers. We want to know how we can best help you to achieve your goals. In order for us to do this, we need to know a little bit about you. If you are just going for the money, you're probably not going to have near the drive that is needed to push yourself through a program as someone who is more passionate about their new opportunities.

So if you haven't already, take a moment to ask yourself two questions: "Why am I really doing this?" and "What are my career goals?" If you can answer these questions with answers that you are proud of, nothing can stop you.

Be passionate about what you want and you will soon find that your goals will arrive much faster. 

Who influences you?  I was recently at a conference in a session that spoke to influencers as they pertained to social media, and  it made me think about personal and professional influences and how they can impact our lives.

Professionally, it is great when you work with someone that has more experience than you.  I often find that by working with them, I am challenged and motivated to produce higher quality work.  It's also a great feeling when that person recognizes your efforts and talents.  

If you are an LPN/LVN, I'm sure you have RNs that you look up to that you work with.  You hope one day to follow in their footsteps and become an RN yourself.  I'm also sure that once you let them know of your aspiration, they will support you and help mentor you.  And at The College Network,  we can also help you as you work through your LPN to RN degree program to obtain your Associate Degree in Nursing.  

And, we can't forget to mention those that personally influence us.  From my father, I developed a love of reading that has helped me in my career and enriched my life.  One's family has the biggest influence, I think.  They are there to help support us when we need it and also push us when we need that too.  I'm sure your family will help you in any way they can as you reach your goal of a degree.  

Are you ready to help influence someone else?  By moving forward in your career and gaining your degree--you will become the type of influential person that you look up to now.  That's a pretty cool thing.  Call us today at 800-395-1014 and we can help you get there.  

When listening to the radio, the song "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepson comes on the radio several times during the day--there is no escaping it on the station I listen to.  And afterwards I find that I can't get it out of my head.  Plus there are so many parodies on YouTube and other channels.  It has become part of our trending culture.

After a friend posted that people don't call each other anymore, I realized that I have to agree.  With the popularity of social media, it's easier to post your status on Facebook or tweet about something you find interesting.  We even reach out to our community for recommendations or advice.  The art of communication is sometimes lost in the fray.  

But it is after a lengthy conversation I had with a customer this morning, that I want to encourage you to call us.  The College Network's Academic Support team is available to you when you need some support, to schedule a test or just to review your program.  You can also talk to them about developing a study plan if you are new to your online program, or need to get restarted.  

As an LPN to RN, we understand that you are working hard to support yourself and at times run into questions that you need some clarification on, or perhaps you just need to talk through you program plan to keep on your schedule.  Maybe you're starting in your BSN program and need to understand Regis University's small class sections.  Whatever you may need, our team is here for you.

Here's our number, 800-634-1443--so call us maybe.  

The New York Times revealed in a recent article the increasing number of hospitals requiring nurses with associate degrees to earn a bachelor's degree/RN. "The need [for nurses] is so great that nurses without bachelor's degrees are still in demand. But experts say that may change in years to come, particularly at hospitals, the largest segment of the profession and one of the best paid."

The article went on to say, "Surveys show that most hospitals prefer to hire nurses with bachelor's degrees, though they often cannot find enough. Lawmakers in several states, including New York, have introduced bills that would require at least some hospital staff nurses to have bachelor's degrees within 10 years, though none have become law."

It's obvious that change in the field of Nursing is on the way, so shouldn't you take it upon yourself to stay ahead of the eventual education requirements and being earning your way to a higher degree? If you're already an LPN or a nurse with an associate's degree looking to earn your RN, The College Network can help you earn your degree fast and efficiently, without having to give up your current work schedule. With the Comprehensive Learning Modules and the online Resource Center, you can learn at your own pace and at the fraction of the cost of a traditional four year university. 

It's important to recognize change, and the upcoming changes in the field of nursing are going to effect current associate degree nurses for years to come. Stay ahead and be prepared with the help of The College Network.

If you’ve been thinking about going back to school to earn your Bachelor’s Degree in nursing, now’s the time to do it. The demand for nurses is at an all-time high, with the American College of Medical Quality predicting a national shortage of 300,000 to 1 million nurses by the year 2020. The increase in demand is largely credited to the rising healthcare needs of the aging baby boomer generation.  

But conditions aren’t just calling for more RNs --many experts expect the BSN degree to become the new entry-level requirement for nurses. Currently, only about 50 percent of nurses in the U.S. hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. In order to meet national demand, the Institute of Medicine reports that 80 percent of nurses will need to hold bachelor’s degrees by the year 2020 -- hence, the “80 by ‘20” rule.

In response, The College Network® will continue to provide our customers with the means to earn their Bachelor’s of Science in nursing from the comfort of home. Through our partnership with Indiana State University, The College Network offers the only distance-based LPN to BSN program in the country. If you are an LPN or LVN, you probably have a busy lifestyle as it is. By enrolling in our BSN program, you can obtain your bachelor’s degree at your own pace and ensure career stability in the competitive years to come.

If you are ready to take the next step towards becoming a contender in tomorrow’s healthcare market, contact The College Network and speak with a Program Advisor at 1-800-395-1014.

“I have been an LPN for 20 years and knew that it was time to get my RN. I have procrastinated for many years but made a promise this year to start the program,” says Associate of Science in Nursing degree customer Cecilia Portillo.

“I received an email from a friend with The College Network information attached. When I called and met with Krista, it seemed very clear to me that this was the way to go,” Cecilia says of her decision to enroll in the online nursing degree program. “I have had many co-workers who did a self-study, go-at-your-own-pace program. They didn't have access to the online and phone support that The College Network provides. I can call anytime and someone always answers my questions.”

Cecilia admits that earning an advanced degree takes time and dedication. “It is hard sometimes. When you have young children and a full time job you think, ‘Wow, I just can't do it!’ but I have found that when I tell my family I need study time they are more than supportive of me and give me the time I need. I even have my children quiz me with the key words or the objectives.

Cecilia did it and so can you! Read more of her inspiring story or call 1-800-395-1014 to speak to a Program Advisor today.

Nursing homes, a stronghold of LPN jobs, may become progressively less so. Illinois, for one, is attempting to instate a new law requiring 20% of nurses in nursing homes to be RNs. The change would cost the state $122 million annually, but Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, as well as local advocacy groups, are pushing for the change because they believe that care from RNs prevents hospitalization. This information comes from an article on the Progress Illinois website.

If you are an LPN and you want to take action now to avoid worries about job security, do not fret. Give The College Network a call at 1-800-39-LEARN to find out how you can work towards obtaining RN status while continuing to work full time as an LPN through our online programs from top universities. 

A BIG GULP, candy bar, snack potato chips and some lottery tickets.  What does this sound like to you?  They are things you get at a convenience store.  From national chains to the local "Mom and Pop" quick stop, they're everywhere.  We pay a higher price for things in these stores because of one major factor.  No; not because you can put unlimited Cherry flavor shots into your huge 74 ounce soda cup.  We do it for the convenience!  A quick zip in and zip out, everything we need compacted into a space no larger than my wife's closet! 

From 30 minute oil changes to drive up restaurants, we have become a nation of convenience addicts.  I am guilty as charged! But convenience isn't always a bad thing.  In some cases it can be the difference between having and not having. 

The College Network, with our partnerships and associations with some of the top universities and colleges in the nation, has designed a way for you to obtain your Associate of Science in Nursing degree, BS in Nursing degree, MS in Nursing degree, Project Management certificate, Lean Six Sigma certification, or Paralegal certificate through a combination of distance learning and comprehensive learning modules.  LPN to RN degree programs that allow you to work from any high-speed Internet connection, anytime, 24/7.  This will allow  you to learn and earn your degree in the most convenient way possible.   Our goal is to make education fit into your life. 

Convenience can be a good thing.  Convenience joined with degrees from top universities is a very good thing.  Better job security, higher pay, better quality of life, satisfaction of accomplishment all in a convenient online program.  Want to know more?  It's simple and convenient; just call me 1-800-307-1006 ext 2649.

What more could you ask for?  Maybe a SUPER GULP?

I hope to hear from you!

Lawrence Bowlin
lbowlin@collegenetwork.com

Betsy Frank, PhD, RN, ANEF; a professor emeritus at Indiana State University was honored for excellence in teaching at the recent NLN Education Summit 2011.